China Daily, a Chinese state-run publication, is at the forefront of media innovation, utilizing AI to streamline newsroom operations and enhance content generation.
During a recent visit to the China Daily offices in Beijing, IGIHE learned that the company has integrated AI into its digital news app, responding to the rising global consumption of digital news compared to traditional newspaper reading.
The mobile application allows readers to access daily stories on the go. AI algorithms in the app help tailor news recommendations to individual readers’ interests. An AI-powered translation tool also facilitates the dissemination of news to a global audience.
Additionally, China Daily has a virtual journalist powered by cutting-edge AI technology. Dubbed Yuanxi, she can perform a wide range of tasks, including scanning and analyzing various news sources in real-time, providing the company with up-to-date news trends and information.
Yuanxi has the ability to process vast amounts of information in real-time, scanning multiple sources, analyzing trends, and generating reports far faster than a human could. This accelerates the news-gathering and reporting process, allowing China Daily to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving news landscape.
Ji Tao, a member of the editorial board at China Daily, describes the innovations and use of new technology at the Chinese media house as a unique selling point.
“Don’t leave the paper, just innovate,” he advises, adding, “Maintaining a neutral stance in reporting is also crucial, ensuring unbiased coverage without taking sides.”
Shao Xinying, journalist and editor at the international news desk, highlights the importance of fact-checking and ensuring authenticity and accurate reporting. “We try our best to fact-check each story, for the sake of accuracy and authenticity,” she adds.
Since its launch in 1981, China Daily has established itself as one of the leading print press companies in China. With a flagship newspaper that covers a wide range of topics, including business, sports, world pop news, and more, China Daily has become a household name.
Besides the technology, the management reiterates that commitment to inclusivity and diversity sets the paper apart. The newspaper invites expats to contribute their opinions, providing a unique perspective on global issues.
These appointments announced through a communiqué released by the Office of Prime Minister on Wednesday, August 21, 2024,come in the wake of the postponement of elections for other district representatives in the Kigali City Council last week.
According to Law No. 22/2019 of July 29, 2019, which governs the City of Kigali, the city is managed by its City Council, which should consist of 11 advisors—six elected members and five appointed by the Head of State.
However, the law permits the President to adjust the number of advisors he can appoint, a power that was exercised in this instance.
The Kigali City Executive Committee is elected from appointed councilors, along with those representing the districts.
The Executive Committee is composed of three members: the Mayor of Kigali, the Vice Mayor in charge of Urbanization and Infrastructure, and the Vice Mayor in charge of Socio-Economic Affairs.
The members of the Kigali City Executive Committee serve a five-year term, which can be renewed once, but they are not allowed to serve more than two consecutive terms.
Central Bank Governor John Rwangombwa made the announcement on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, following a Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held the previous day.
In his address to the media, Rwangombwa noted that in the second quarter of 2024, headline inflation slightly increased to 5.1 percent in the first quarter, up from 4.7 percent, but remained within the target range of 2 to 8 percent.
He further affirmed that inflation in 2024 and 2025 is expected to remain within the target range, stabilizing around 5 percent.
“Given the current and anticipated stable trend in inflation, the MPC has reduced the CBR by 50 basis points to 6.5 percent from 7.0 percent,” Rwangombwa announced.
The decision to reduce the country’s monetary policy rate is expected to make borrowing more affordable compared to last year, encouraging increased spending and investments.
During its last review in May, the Central Bank reduced the key lending rate from 7.5 percent to 7.0 percent, citing a similar inflation trend. Inflation has decreased significantly since January 2023, when the rate stood at 20.7 percent.
Rwangombwa has attributed the rise in inflation in the second quarter of 2024 to increases in core and energy inflation, which offset a decrease in fresh food inflation.
He explained that the rise in core inflation from 5.6 percent to 6.4 percent was driven by higher transport costs, following an upward revision in public transport fares in March and April this year, as well as increased vehicle prices during the second quarter.
“This was partly offset by the decline in fresh food inflation from 2.5 percent to 1.6 percent resulted from an improved supply of certain fresh fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, cassava roots, tomatoes, green peas and green bananas from Season B 2024 harvest, along with remaining stocks from the bumper harvest of Season A,” he explained.
“There is also a base effect since some vegetable prices were higher in the corresponding quarter of last year. On the other hand, energy inflation rose from 2.7 percent to 4.5 percent due to higher liquid fuel prices after the upward revision in pump prices in April, aligning with international oil trends.”
For 2024 and 2025, headline inflation is projected to remain close to 5.0 percent due to easing food inflation as domestic agricultural production returns to normal levels.
On the other hand, core inflation is expected to increase in 2024, driven by import costs, but is anticipated to decrease in the second half of 2025. Energy inflation is likely to increase slightly in 2024, in line with international oil price projections.
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The Central Bank Governor, however, warned that the projections could be affected by various risks and shocks. Heightened global geopolitical tensions due to conflicts in the Middle East and between Ukraine and Russia could create uncertainties around international commodity prices. Additionally, adverse weather conditions could impact future agricultural supply and food prices.
Meanwhile, Rwanda’s deficit expanded by 9.5 percent in the second quarter of 2024, driven by increased imports compared to exports.
The Central Bank revealed that merchandise exports increased by 0.9 percent in the second quarter of this year, constrained by weak coffee performance due to declining global commodity prices and seasonal factors, as well as reduced revenues from processed food exports. In contrast, merchandise imports rose by 6.4 percent, mainly due to strong demand for core food items, energy products, and some capital goods.
Latest data from the National Institute of Statistics (NISR) shows that the country’s trade deficit widened by 30.9 percent year-on-year, reaching $411.6 million in June this year, up from $314.5 million in June 2023.
On a month-by-month basis, the trade gap expanded by 13.7 percent, from $362 million in May to $411.6 million in June.
The Central Bank notes that the trade deficit continues to put pressure on the Rwandan Franc, though the pressure is lower compared to last year.
“By the end of June 2024, the Rwandan Franc had depreciated by 3.70 percent against the US dollar, compared to 8.80 percent in the same period last year,” Rwangombwa explained.
He assured that, with private and government inflows, gross official reserves stood at 4.7 months of import cover as of June 2024 and are projected to remain adequate, exceeding the 4-month benchmark in the medium term.
For Rwanda, a landlocked country with ambitious goals for economic development, embracing air cargo transport is not just an option; it is a necessity. It plays a crucial role in the global supply chain, responsible for the movement of high-value and time-sensitive goods.
Although it represents only a small percentage of global trade by volume, it accounts for over 35% of global trade by value, underscoring its importance for industries that depend on the rapid and reliable delivery of products.
Key sectors that rely on air cargo include pharmaceuticals, electronics, and perishable goods such as fresh produce, flowers, and seafood.
The need for speed in these industries is driven by the perishable nature of the products, the high costs associated with delays, and the necessity of maintaining product integrity during transit.
For many businesses, especially those operating in just-in-time supply chains, air cargo is the only viable option for ensuring that goods reach their destinations on time and in perfect condition.
Locally, air cargo transport is still in its infant stages. Many businesses and importers continue to rely on traditional shipping methods, such as using ports in Mombasa, Kenya, or Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to bring in goods that are then transported over land across several borders to their final destinations.
Whilst this method has served Rwanda for many years, it is fraught with challenges, including delays, higher costs, and the risk of goods being damaged or spoilt during transit.
Companies like Heart of Africa Trading (HAT) Plc are leading the charge, recognizing the transformative potential of air cargo transport to redefine the nation’s economic landscape.
HAT, a prominent logistics and freight services company based in Kigali, has been instrumental in promoting the benefits of air cargo transport in Rwanda.
With a robust presence both locally and internationally, including offices in Dubai and sea transport services across East Africa, it has become a key player in the country’s logistics sector with efficiency and reliability, a preferred choice for businesses looking to transport goods quickly and securely.
Shyaka Gakuba, the CEO at HAT explains the critical role of air cargo in supporting Rwanda’s economic growth.
“Air cargo offers the speed and reliability that businesses need to stay competitive. It’s not just about moving goods; it’s about ensuring that products reach their markets in the best possible condition,” he says.
This is particularly important for perishable goods and high-value items, where any delay can lead to significant financial losses. Gakuba also highlights the broader impact of air cargo on the economy, noting that it enhances Rwanda’s ability to compete in global markets.
“By embracing air cargo transport, Rwandan businesses can build stronger relationships with international partners and customers. This, in turn, can lead to increased exports, higher revenues, and greater economic stability for the country,” he notes.
In addition to providing reliable transport services, HAT ensures that air cargo services are more accessible to Rwandan businesses, with a range of business incentives to encourage more traders to adopt air cargo transport.
One of the key incentives is providing cash advances to traders who may run out of funds while conducting transactions in foreign countries. This financial support can be a lifeline for businesses, enabling them to continue their operations without interruption and seize new opportunities in the global market.
“At HAT, we understand the challenges that businesses face when dealing with international logistics, that’s why we go the extra mile to offer financial solutions that help our clients overcome these challenges. Our goal is to make air cargo transport not only efficient but also accessible and affordable for businesses of all sizes,” he explains
The limitations of traditional shipping methods are particularly pronounced in industries where speed is essential. For instance, Rwanda’s main exports to the United Arab Emirates, including fruits, flowers, and other perishable products, require rapid transport to maintain their freshness.
Similarly, pharmaceutical products such as vaccines and medicines are highly sensitive to environmental conditions and can lose their efficacy if subjected to the long transit times associated with sea or road transport.
This is where air cargo transport comes into play, offering a faster, more reliable alternative that ensures goods arrive at their destinations quickly and in optimal condition.
For Rwanda, this could mean the difference between maintaining and growing its export markets or falling behind in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
RwandAir has played a pivotal role in promoting air cargo transport. Having been recognized this year for its exceptional service, ranked third among African air transport companies for customer care and operational efficiency, the national carrier is taking the air cargo business, even a notch higher.
The Cargo department is one of the key developing segments where much emphasis is put to empower handling capabilities and network development both regional and across long haul routes. Currently RwandAir cargo departments is divided into two sub-units.
Cargo commercial section which handles sales and marketing activities, network planning, pricing and revenue Management while the Operations section overlooks all operational activities which include acceptance, tallying, warehouse operations, and handling for both imports and exports, as well as transiting cargo to and from customers.
Currently RwandAir, operates 7 dedicated cargo freighter destinations using 737 SF cargo freighter with a capacity to carry up to 21 tons depending the nature of cargo. These destinations include; Entebbe, Nairobi, Brazzaville, Bangui, Djibouti, Sharjah, Dubai World Centre and Kigali as the hub.
These are supplemented by other destinations served by RwandAir belly capacity. Some of the main destinations served by belly capacity include the United Kingdom, Belgium and France.
RwandAir Ltd. is undeniably steering a challenging environment in trying to capitalize on Rwanda’s untapped potential through air cargo transport with many strategies despite the existing challenges.
Some of the strategies include infrastructure development such as establishing regional connectivity, construction of facilities for Pharma and dangerous goods strategic partnerships and alliances, adaptation to new technology and improving on the existing regulations.
Jean Bosco Gakwaya, the Director of Cargo Services at RwandAir explains that some of the challenges include capacity constraints where the limited number of cargo freighters/Aircraft, warehouse capacities which in turn restricts cargo volumes to be processed
“Rwanda cargo market is relatively small, with limited demand from local businesses. This makes make it difficult to achieve economies of scale,” he says.
Other challenges include competition from road transport, competition from other Airlines, high operational costs and limited Skilled Workforce: External Factors:
Gakwaya admits that geopolitical instabilities in addition to the complex and inconsistent regulatory requirements slow down the development of air cargo services in Rwanda.
And as Rwanda continues to grow and develop, the importance of air cargo transport will only increase. The country is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities that air cargo presents, but this will require a shift in mindset and a willingness to invest in the future.
By embracing air cargo transport, Rwanda can ensure that it remains competitive, innovative, and prosperous in the global economy.
Mega Global Market is an e-commerce platform with physical markets in Rwanda and branches in other regions. It offers a variety of products, including supplements, various services and an assortment of other services.
The official launch of Mega Global Market, both the online platform and physical market, is scheduled for September 15, 2024, in Rwanda.
During a meeting with the advisory board, Dr. Francis Habumugisha, the CEO of Mega Global Market, announced that the promotion was introduced to ensure customers continue to benefit from their offerings.
“We have introduced a promotion where everyone who makes purchases between August 19 and 26, 2024, will receive a 20% discount. This applies to the seven travel-related services, including study and leisure trips, as well as to those purchasing various supplements, who will also receive a 20% discount,” the CEO said.
However, he clarified that this discount does not apply to those purchasing a single piece of equipment.
Habumugisha also disclosed plans for a trip with members who have made various purchases on Mega Global Market, company representatives who sold products, and others who meet the required criteria. The trip is scheduled for December 2024 and will be held in Dubai.
During this trip, those who meet the requirements will have all expenses covered, including travel costs, meals, and other necessities until their return.
The CEO confirmed that they are initially focusing on the Asian market but plan to expand to other regions, including America and Europe.
Dr. Arthur Rukundo, Vice President of Mega Global Market in charge of health and well-being, announced that the market offers health-related products (supplements), equipment that promotes a healthy lifestyle, and travel services for those who need to go abroad for education, medical treatment, work, and other purposes.
Deny Prince, a student at Hope Haven Christian School in Kigali, was crowned on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at the competition held at the University of Witwatersrand.
He was one of six students from Rwanda who participated in the contest, which kicked off on August 10, 2024.
In addition to the gold medal, the Rwandan team, trained by the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Rwanda, also secured a silver medal, three bronze medals, and several PAMO Girls Bronze Medals.
Thirty African countries participated in the competition, providing young talent with a platform to showcase their exceptional mathematics skills.
In a statement released on Tuesday, August, 20, AIMS Rwanda revealed that the victory at the competition followed a series of preparations done in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and other partners.
The organisation and its partners conduct a rigorous selection process across secondary schools in Rwanda to identify top mathematical talent.
From an initial pool of approximately 40,000 students, a series of three competitive rounds whittled down the participants to a final team of 23 students who represent the nation in regional and international competitions.
AIMS Rwanda noted that the Rwandan team’s journey to success began earlier in the year with a strong performance at the East African Mathematical Olympiad (EAMO), where they secured first place out of eight countries.
The team also participated in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), where the students gained valuable experience on the global stage, bringing home four honourable mentions.
“This remarkable outcome is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the students, as well as the collaborative efforts of AIMS Rwanda, the Ministry of Education, the University of Rwanda, the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA), Jane Street, and the University of Waterloo,” the organisation said in a statement.
Prof. Sam Yala, AIMS Rwanda Centre President and AIMS Network President, termed the victory a big win for Rwanda.
“We are proud of our students’ achievements,” he said. “This Gold medal is not just a victory for the team but for the entire nation. It demonstrates the immense potential of Rwandan youth in STEM fields. We are committed to nurturing these talents through our outreach activities, as we advance mathematical excellence in Rwanda.”
AIMS Rwanda identifies, trains, and coaches promising young mathematicians. Through its programs, the institute aims to contribute to the development of Rwanda’s mathematical landscape.
Speaking during a recent interview with LBC, the former immigration minister said that if he succeeded in his bid for the UK’s top leadership, he would introduce a “more robust” version of the Rwanda migration deal, which was terminated by the Labour Party in July 2024.
Jenrick is among six contenders seeking to succeed Rishi Sunak as the Conservative Party leader in polls slated for October. Other candidates are Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Dame Priti Patel, Mel Stride and Tom Tugendhat.
Asked if he would revive the migration plan which the Labour Party dismissed as costly, Jenrick said, “Yes, I would. I want a stronger version of the Rwanda plan.”
He slammed some of his colleagues in the Conservative Party for refusing to support his efforts to strengthen Rishi Sunak’s version of the Rwanda Bill, which led to his resignation as Cabinet minister.
According to him, the plan would have succeeded if the government had accepted his proposed amendments.
“That’s what I proposed at the turn of the year, one which would enable us to detain people upon arrival and then remove them within hours or days rather than weeks and months. I believe that’s possible. It would have been possible if the Government at the time had accepted the amendments that I put down with around 60 other Conservative MPs,” he disclosed.
He argued that while critics deemed the former administration’s migration deal as costly, illegal migration also carries significant costs.
“Illegal migration is costing several billion pounds in this country every year. Those costs are rising, I don’t see that they’re going to fall any time soon,” the former cabinet minister said while reacting to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper claims that Sunak’s administration secretly planned to spend £10billion on the migration project.
Quizzed on how much it would cost, he said: “It depends how many people were sent, because there are both fixed costs and costs per illegal migrants sent to Rwanda. But the broader point is this – the cost of illegal migration is very high.”
He added, “And there’s not a price that you can easily put on securing the borders of our country. A country without borders is not really a country at all.”
When questioned about the accuracy of the £10 billion figure, Jenrick accused the administration of new UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer of “bandying around numbers both on the public finances and on illegal migration, to justify political choices.”
The UK-Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership was signed in April 2022. The deal aimed to deter unauthorized immigration, especially people arriving by small boats, by referring the asylum seekers to Rwanda.
The migration scheme was set to kick off in July after a two-year delay occasioned by court battles and opposition from a section of Members of Parliament.
After defeating the Conservatives in the July polls, Starmer announced his intention to terminate the deal, insisting that the policy was neither a deterrent nor value for money.
Starmer’s government plans to tackle the issue “upstream” by dismantling the people-smuggling gangs behind the movements.
Dubbed the Global AI Summit on Africa, the event will be held on the 8th and 9th of October 2024 and will be hosted by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Rwanda, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum.
According to the organizers, the summit will bring together distinguished government and business leaders, along with experts from academia and civil society, to engage in an in-depth, collaborative dialogue on AI’s transformative role in shaping Africa’s future.
The summit will be held under the theme ‘AI and Africa’s Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa’s Workforce.”
The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Rwanda explained that the theme underscores the urgency of leveraging AI to bolster the productivity of Africa’s youthful workforce, unlock new economic opportunities, and foster inclusive growth across the continent.
“Home to the largest and fastest-growing workforce in the world, Africa is poised to play a consequential role in shaping the global AI agenda. Maximising the benefits, and mitigating the risks, will require multi-stakeholder engagement and inclusive dialogue. This summit aims to advance an ambitious vision for Africa’s leadership in the age of AI,” the organisers said in a statement.
The summit is expected to offer a platform for the exchange of practical insights, collaborations, and the showcasing of innovative AI applications.
“Participants will have the opportunity to interact with cutting-edge technologies and chart an actionable roadmap for the continent,” the statement adds.
“The objective is to translate discussions into tangible actions that can bring about real-world impact, benefiting Africa’s industries, economies, and societies.”
Rwanda has become a hub for high-profile conferences in recent years. Last year alone, the country hosted 165 conferences, attracting over 65,000 delegates from around the world.
The annual Africa CEO Forum is one of the high-level conferences that have been held in the country this year. Hosted in May, the event brought together more than 2,000 business leaders from over 75 countries.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) co-hosted the event alongside the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group focused exclusively on the private sector in developing countries.
The forces were flagged off by Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Army Chief of Staff alongside Commissioner of Police Vincent B. Sano who is the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations.
During the briefing at Kigali International Airport, Maj Gen Nyakarundi emphasized the importance of maintaining the discipline and momentum that the Rwandan security forces have exhibited over the past three years.
On his part, Commissioner of Police Vincent B. Sano echoed similar sentiments, urging the troops to foster teamwork and avoid actions that could tarnish Rwanda’s reputation. He stressed the importance of unity in achieving their mission objectives.
The departing forces will be under the command of Maj Gen Emmy Ruvusha, who takes over from Maj Gen Alex Kagame. Their deployment is part of Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to supporting Mozambique in countering the insurgency that has plagued Cabo Delgado since October 2017, when armed extremists first launched a rebellion in the region.
In response to the escalating violence and widespread displacement, Rwanda began deploying its security forces to Mozambique on July 9, 2021. Initially consisting of 1,000 troops from both the Rwanda Defence Force and the Rwanda National Police, the contingent had grown to nearly 2,000 by the end of 2021.
By late 2022, it was announced that the number of Rwandan troops in Mozambique had increased to about 2,500, reflecting their expanded mandate to pursue and dislodge terrorists from their hideouts.
Mozambique has also received military support from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) since 2021. However, SADC forces began withdrawing in April this year as their mandate drew close to the end.
Before the intervention of Rwandan troops in 2021, terrorists had claimed the lives of 3,000 civilians, and more than 800,000 people had been displaced. The insecurity had also brought all development projects in the insurgent-controlled areas to a standstill.
Over the past three years, the Rwandan security forces, in collaboration with Mozambique’s armed forces, have made significant strides in dismantling the Al Sunna Wa Jama (ASWJ) terrorist group from their strongholds in Mocimboa da Praia and Palma. This has allowed a substantial number of internally displaced people to safely return to their villages.
Rwanda and Mozambique have enjoyed vibrant relations for many years, with cooperation agreements spanning various sectors, including security, trade, and investment.
This strategic decision positions Rwanda as a gateway for advanced drone technology across the continent. Dronlytics Africa, which owns a US-patented drone technology comparable to NASA’s ‘Perseverance’ rover on Mars, aims to leverage this innovation to address key challenges in Africa, including poverty reduction, food security, and environmental protection.
By utilizing drones to gather critical data, Dronlytics Africa seeks to reduce poverty by lowering production costs through precise data collection. This approach will help farmers increase their cash flows and achieve greater financial stability.
The company’s technology is also expected to enhance food security by providing timely and accurate data on crops, enabling farmers to make informed decisions that lead to improved yields.
Furthermore, Dronlytics Africa’s technology contributes to environmental protection by enabling the efficient application of agricultural chemicals, thereby minimizing nitrogen runoff and reducing environmental degradation.
Anthony Hall, the Managing Director of Dronlytics Africa Limited, highlighted the capabilities of their drones, which can fly, land, and traverse vast agricultural lands to collect valuable information.
“We are, first and foremost, a data-driven company. Our drone technology, proven in other parts of the world, increases farm productivity when data is understood and applied correctly. Instead of reinventing the wheel, we apply tried-and-tested technology alongside our advanced drone tech to improve yields,” he remarked.
Hall also emphasized that the drone technology reduces production costs for farming, ultimately leading to higher cash flows for farmers.
“In terms of enhancing food security, we provide critical data in a timely manner about farmed crops needed to increase yields. Finally, by assessing farms before applying chemicals, we can efficiently apply these chemicals in a way that reduces usage and minimizes nitrogen release into the environment,” he added.
Dronlytics Africa is currently in the design phase for its new headquarters, having invited five local firms to tender building designs. Groundbreaking is anticipated towards the end of this year, with drone services expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Africa’s agricultural sector lags behind regions like India and other emerging economies in technological advancement.
Dronlytics Africa envisions a paradigm shift, positioning Rwanda as a leader in drone technology and a hub for innovation on the continent.
According to the company’s management, Rwanda’s successful history with drone technology, exemplified by Zipline’s achievements, makes it the ideal location for Dronlytics Africa’s headquarters.
